Sebastian County Fair Brings Fun, Learning To Greenwood

Rachel Rodemann • Times Record / Kristen Weaver, 16, from left, Dakota Weaver, 15, and Destiny Weaver, 15, with the Hartford Future Farmers of America take their goats to show at the Sebastian County Fair on Wednesday.

GREENWOOD — The Sebastian County Fair in Greenwood opened to the public Tuesday night with rides, games, arts, crafts and a record-number of animals, all coming together at the newly upgraded and remodeled Sebastian County Fairgrounds.

“The Home Economics building has been completely refurbished, overhauled and renovated,” said Jesse Bocksnick, Sebastian County extension agent and ex officio fair association member. “They’ve worked extremely hard to get that going, and it’s all moved up. From LED lighting, to new paint and new flooring, they’ve really worked hard to make it an inviting place for everybody.

“It should be a tremendous fair, and as long as the weather is good, they’re expecting a record turnout,” he added.

As for the four-legged fair-goers, animal attendance is overwhelming this year, Bocksnick said.

“Almost every animal category … has actually increased in participation this year. Livestock entries are up, poultry entries are up, hog entries are up as well as rabbit entries,” he said. “It’s actually unbelievable how many people are entered this year.”

As a county agent, Bocksnick explained that his goal is to advise and educate the youths attending the fair, most of whom show animals.

“This is their sport,” he said, “and a lot of them are going to grow up to do this for a living. 4-H and FFA really instill that work ethic and life skills we all wish our kids had.”

Hailea Raines of Hackett contributed to the animal population, bringing 10 of her prized hens to show at the fair.

“It’s fun,” said the 10-year-old, who has been showing at the fair for almost as long as she can remember. “It’s a good start to your future.

“I’m looking forward to having my own horse farm and raising chickens and stuff,” she added.

“She’s done everything in 4-H,” Hailea’s mother, Melissa Raines, said with a smile. “She’s done the horse shows, the rabbits and the chickens. She’s showed lambs before, and she works on our farm every day.

“I think it shows her a sense of responsibility,” Raines added. “It shows her a sense of duty to take care of these animals, to raise them and care for them. I think it’s a better upbringing for the kids, I really do.”

Hailea’s father, Gary Raines, also chimed in, saying he thinks 4-H and working with animals keeps children from having too much television influence.

“We’re in an XBox generation, and there’s more to life,” he said. “It keeps the kids focused on their school work and their responsibility, their work ethic.”